Sigma Phi Epsilon History
The Early Years: 1946-1952
It is ironic that we talk about the fraternity known as Sigma Phi Epsilon. Were it not for a stroke of fate, we may very well be talking about the fraternity known as Kappa Alpha. However, and at the 11th Hour, Dean Leftwich vetoed the application from Kappa Alpha, since a Culver-Stockton chapter would have been the most northern outpost of that very Southern fraternity. The application from the Richmond, Virginia headquarters of Sigma Phi Epsilon was green-lighted and history was about to be made.
 Tom "Moose" Hartigan served as the Sig Eps 1st President. On March 17, 1952, the Men of Beta Sigma Gamma became the Charter members of Missouri Epsilon of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Now living in California, he offered a unique perspective. ". . . As I look back on being the first President of the Sig Eps, it didn't seem that important. After all, I was associated with a great bunch of guys that were Beta Sigs who had great ideas and most of the time, as a group, we made those ideas into reality. But, looking back on the honor of being the first President, I realize that it helped me develop the understanding that people make businesses, not that businesses make people. To this day, I try to adhere to this philosophy."
Chuck Burlingame, a retired personnel specialist now living in Florida, speaks of life on the hill in equally fond terms. "My best memory was the closeness of the our house, even with small numbers early on. We were known as the Marching Twelve and remain close even to this day."
The Spoerner brothers, Don, Tom and Archie, were all members of the Sig Ep house and made references to many familiar names to any Culver alums. While all three are now retired, the common themes of life on the hill and at the Sig Ep house are consistent. For example, Don Sykes, a wonderful friend who bridges much of Culver's recent history, seemed to employ most of the brothers in the Cat's Pause, not to mention the name of one of Culver's truest ambassadors, Miss Olga Bays. This timeline continues with the inclusion of perhaps the finest professor that Culver has ever enjoyed -- that of the many talents of the late Dr. John Sperry. Bill Herington, Football, Basketball and Baseball Coach, was frequently mentioned in the memories of Culver and no article about CSC could ever be complete without a major chapter on Coach Herington. Plus, a young science teacher named Dr. John Brodman would play a role in the first of many groups of students in the mid 50's. It was at this time that we hear the name of Dr. Fred Helsabeck, named President in l955, who befriended all of the fraternities in his own special way.
However, of all of the research collected, perhaps the entry that references an early member of the Sig Ep House named Greg Barac. We found out recently that Greg passed away in 2003 and echoing the love of the fraternity, his widow, Lori Barac, shared with us that "Greg was so very proud of being a Sig Ep and in l980, he presented me with his Sig Ep Fraternity Pin to solidify our marriage even farther." The long shadow of being a Sig Ep carries a great legacy that crosses many generations and relationships.
The late Tony Manning '55, was the Sig Ep's first recipient of being named Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Following his graduation, the Hinsdale native also penned The Pearl Heart, a tedious and wonderfully written newsletter highlighting the post-graduate activities of the brothers from l946 to 1959. And, because of his work, the Householding Corporation was formed and Manning, Rich Olson '57, John Walsh '58, Rich Rusnack '59 and Don Spoerner '58, along with Bob Cook '59, became the legal guardians of the next big investment.
811 White Street was about to become history as well, as the growing membership was looking towards bigger and better quarters. What appeared to be the answer to many questions in l949 had outgrown its ability to serve the members and in l959, Sigma Phi Epsilon (with a financial backing from the college) secured the property just down the street. For $23,000, 801 White Street became the new home of the Sig Eps and remained such until its nadir in l993.
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Click on the following links to read Sigma Phi Epsilon's history.
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